MORE ABOUT THE CAMPAIGN FOR REAL EDUCATION

Background

The Campaign for Real Education was formed in 1987 by 14 parents and teachers, all of whom were concerned about falling standards and damaging changes in state education which were being forced through without any evidence to support them. Since then, the Campaign has been contacted by thousands of parents, teachers and academics with similar concerns. We now have a nationwide network of supporters and important links with like-minded people in other countries such as America, Australia and Switzerland.

Aims and objectives

The Campaign's main objectives are to raise standards and improve choice in state education. It is non profit-making and is not affiliated to any political party.

Publications and activities

We publish a termly newsletter and an on-going series of papers and pamphlets on important educational issues. Topics covered so far have included the teaching of reading, spelling standards, history teaching, teacher training and achieving value for money in education. Many of our newsletters and pamphlets are ordered by 'unaffiliated' teachers, academics, libraries and research institutions both in this country and abroad. They are also used by education correspondents and commentators.

We arrange seminars and occasional conferences in London, which are addressed by distinguished speakers from this country and abroad. We also monitor educational literature and often attend conferences and meetings held by groups whose views we do not share.

Information and advice

Since the Campaign was formed, it has become a focal point for information and advice for parents, teachers, governors and the media. We provide information to, and commentators for, local and national newspapers, as well as local and national radio and television programmes. Indeed, we are frequently asked by journalists to provide 'the voice of common sense'.

The Campaign is widely regarded as honest, knowledgeable, factual, influential and effective, thanks to the hard (voluntary) work of our committee members plus our important contacts with parents, teachers, governors, business people, local and national politicians, and opinion formers. On this basis, we are recognised and regularly consulted by government agencies.